U.S. Approves $24.3B F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia Amid Security Fears
U.S. approves $24.3B F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia despite security concerns and congressional warnings about Chinese access.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — The U.S. State Department has given the green light to a potential $24.3 billion deal for 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and associated equipment for Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step in the kingdom’s military modernization efforts.
The decision comes as Saudi Arabia faces growing tensions with Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have launched repeated attacks on the kingdom using drones and missiles. The sale is seen as part of broader regional security strategies, though it has drawn scrutiny from some lawmakers over potential risks involving sensitive military technology falling into the hands of China.
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Lawmakers like Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., have voiced concerns that the advanced F-35 technology could be compromised through espionage or Saudi-China partnerships. The move also follows a history of controversy around arms deals with Saudi Arabia, including a $110 billion package under the Trump administration, which faced backlash after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
